Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

Tag: Colorado

Wild Horses On The Plateau. 10-22-2025

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, wild horses. For the last three weeks, I’ve been in the landscape of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting, exploring the areas around Abiquiu, and Ghost Ranch, NM, five times, and again tomorrow. I never tire of it, but it’s time for a change and to head out in search of wild horses, sandhill cranes, hawks, and elk. A change of scenery and subject is always good for the soul and the portfolio.

Wild horses on the plateau.
Wild horses (and one bull) on the plateau.

The following two images were taken in spring.

Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes, Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes coming in for a landing.

These two were trucking along foraging in the fields near Monte Vista NWR.

Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes.

Hawks are plentiful, and this time of year, in old snags and on power poles.

Raptor, red tailed hawk.
Red-tailed hawk…. I think.
Juvenile Golden Eagle and Sandhill Cranes
Juvenile Golden Eagle and Sandhill Cranes.

I doubt it will snow on the peaks before next week, but horses are always fun to spot. Here’s a band on the plateau with Blanca Peak in Colorado.

Wild or feral horses, Colorado
On the plateau with Blanca Peak in Colorado.
Band on the plateau
Another band on the plateau.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

My photo essay on the San Luis Valley, in the form of a PDF to download.

If you’d like to read more, here’s a brief account of the area.

The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are remarkable landscapes in the southwestern United States, known for their unique geological features and diverse wildlife.

The Taos Volcanic Plateau, located in northern New Mexico, is a striking expanse formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. This plateau is characterized by its rugged terrain, with ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and volcanic peaks, such as Ute Mountain and San Antonio Mountain. The Rio Grande Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Rio Grande, slices through the plateau, providing a stunning natural spectacle and a vital habitat for various species.

Adjacent to the plateau, the San Luis Valley stretches across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. This high-altitude valley is one of the largest in the world, flanked by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. Its vast, flat expanse is dotted with wetlands, grasslands, and desert shrublands, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a rich array of wildlife.

The wildlife in these regions is as diverse as the landscapes themselves. The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are home to numerous bird species, making them popular destinations for birdwatchers. The wetlands and riparian areas attract migratory birds such as sandhill cranes, which stop over in the valley during their long journeys. Raptors, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, soar above the open spaces, while songbirds flit among the shrubs and trees.

Mammals also thrive in these areas. Mule deer and elk roam the grasslands and forests, while smaller creatures like coyotes, foxes, and rabbits are common sights. The plateau and valley provide critical habitat for more elusive species as well, such as bobcats and mountain lions, which find refuge in the rugged terrain.

The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are not only geological and ecological treasures but also cultural and historical ones. Indigenous peoples have lived in these regions for thousands of years, and their deep connection to the land is evident in the rich cultural heritage that persists today.

Together, these landscapes offer a glimpse into the dynamic interplay of natural forces and the resilience of life in a challenging environment. They remind us of the importance of preserving such unique ecosystems for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

A little Autumn Color. 10-08-2025

Hello from New Mexico! This week, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn colors. There’s plenty to enjoy, but I wanted to share a little gem I found this week in Valle Escondido, NM. The scenery out there is stunning, and I hope it’s just as beautiful where you are. I must admit, though, the season seems to be moving along quickly.

A little autumn color Valle Escondido, NM
In the morning mists of Autumn.
Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal.
Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal, NM.

No photo tour to the San Luis Valley is complete without a stop at the old homestead, you know the one! With storm clouds building, but no precipitation yet, my client, Susan, and I stopped in here on a photo workshop to see what was brewing visually.

Homestead, San Luis Valley, Colorado.
Homestead, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

A wide view of our valley and mountains.

San Cristobal Valley Cottonwoods
San Cristobal Valley aspens and cottonwoods.

This week’s “Print of the Week”. taken the same week at the location above.

Fall in the San Cristobal Valley
Fall in the San Cristobal Valley.

As always, thank you for looking. I hope you’re enjoying Autumn where you are. G

Rio Grande, Ute Mountain. 10-01-2025

Greetings from New Mexico. I’m on the road with photo workshops this week. Here’s a glimpse of the Rio Grande, which, despite its name, isn’t quite as grand at the moment with Ute Mountain rising majestically from the Taos Plateau Volcanic Field. This photograph was taken in the morning on the second day of a five-day workshop. So far, so good.

Wild Rivers, Rio Grande, Ute Mountain, NM
The Rio Grande with Ute Mountain.

A drive on US 64 through Chama to Highway 17 over the Cumbres Pass revealed stunning fall color. I hope you are enjoying fall, autumn where you are.

Aspens, Highway 17, Colorado.
Aspens, Highway 17, Colorado.

Aspens Highway 17, Colorado.
Aspens Colorado.

As always, thank you for looking and taking the time to comment. Have a great week. G

Fall Equinox, Flashback. 09-24-2025

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, I’m taking a look back at past Septembers, the month of the fall equinox.

Beginning with this shot of our mountains from El Prado.

El Prado NM
El Prado, NM.

Often the first aspens to start turning in the Valle Vidal high country.

Aspen trees in the Valle Vidal
Aspen trees in the Valle Vidal.

The view heading home. Not a bad close to the day.

Fall equinox, NM
Fall in the mountains from San Cristobal.

The overhang in this photo has since fallen off. Glad I missed that!

Piedra Lumbre
Piedra Lumbre, Gost Ranch.
Fall colors Colorado
Fall colors, Colorado.

From the Lobatos Bridge in Colorado. And a view looking north. Read more about the Lobatos Bridge Outdoor Classroom Project.

Rio Grande, Colorado
Rio Grande, Colorado.

Not really a lake, but a pond in the mountains.

Storm Lake
Storm Lake.
Chiles
Chiles, Taos Farmers Market.

Backlit sunflower on the fall equinox against the setting sun across the plateau.

Sunflower
Sunflower.
Porcupine
Porcupine, Monte Vista, NWR. Colorado.

Coyote crossing a field in Taos.

Coyote
Coyote.

Some areas turn sooner than others. I found this branch and color in Garcia Park.

Aspen Leaves
Aspen Leaves.

Print of the week.

Print of the month
Cottonwood Sunset Light.

As always, thanks for looking and all the comments, compliments, and support. G

Taos Artist Combo. 09-10-2025

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, a few more prints, on display this weekend at the “Taos Artist Combo” show at the Stables Gallery in Taos.

Taos Artist Combo
Doorways Pueblo Bonito Chaco Culture
Doorways in Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Culture.
St Francis Church Ranchos de Taos
Through the raindrops at the St Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos.
Sunset at the Taos Tipis
Sunset at the Taos Tipis.

As always, thanks for looking and all the comments and compliments. I look forward to seeing you this coming weekend. G

Fall In Colorado. 09-03-2025

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, some images of fall colors taken in previous years on trips to Crested Butte. I’ll have some of these images as prints in the upcoming Artist Combo Show in Taos on September 12-14 at the Stables Gallery. I look forward to seeing you there.

Kebler Pass road Fall colors, Colorado
Aspens, peaks, and clouds, Colorado.

Near Crested Butte, Colorado
Close-up of the peaks and colors.

Aspens and peaks, Colorado
Near Lost Lake, Colorado.

Last Dollar road, Colorado
Taken from Last Dollar Road, Colorado.

I love making prints. In days past, it wasn’t a photograph until it was printed. This is the first time I’ve printed this image. You can see it at the show next week.

Aspens and peaks print
Print 11″x18″ Aspens and Peaks, Colorado.

New Mexico is stunning in the fall, but I’ve always considered the last week of September a must for a trip to Colorado.

Crested Butte, Colorado, is renowned for its stunning fall colors, making it a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers. The area is particularly famous for its vibrant aspen groves, which turn brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and sometimes red during the autumn months.

Best Time to Visit.
The peak color in Crested Butte typically occurs from late September to early October. However, the exact timing can vary each year based on weather conditions, altitude, and other factors. It’s a good idea to check local reports or contact local businesses for the most current information on the status of the leaves.

Best Places to See Fall Colors.

  1. Kebler Pass – Often cited as one of the best places in Colorado to see fall colors, Kebler Pass is accessible via a scenic drive on Gunnison County Road 12. The area is known for having one of the largest aspen groves in the United States.
  2. Gothic Road – Leading north from Crested Butte towards the ghost town of Gothic, this route offers spectacular views of aspen-lined valleys against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks.
  3. Ohio Pass – Connecting Gunnison to Crested Butte via Ohio Creek Road, this less-traveled pass offers stunning views of the Castles, a unique rock formation, amidst the golden aspens.
  4. Brush Creek Road – Southeast of Crested Butte, this area provides a mix of aspen forests and open meadows, offering a different perspective on the fall colors.
  5. Slate River Road – This route provides beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys filled with colorful aspens, especially stunning with early morning or late afternoon light.

As always, thanks for looking and following along. G

Summer Solstice. 06-18-2025.

Hello from San Cristobal, New Mexico! This weekend marks the summer solstice, occurring on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 8:42 p.m. MDT. Over the years, I have made it a tradition to spend both the summer and winter solstices out with my camera, often capturing images at the precise moment of the solstice. While it’s not always eventful, the occasions when I do capture something are particularly memorable and enjoyable.

Below, I’ve shared some images from previous years where I managed to capture moments during the summer solstice that were especially meaningful to me. One of my favorites was taken in Plaza Blanca, NM. It was also a relief to find some shade in an alcove where I set up for the shot. Enjoy!

Summer Solstice Plaza Blanca
Summer Solstice, Plaza Blanca, NM.

I hope you’ll enjoy the following moments and can get out on Friday for the Summer Solstice, and catch the moment.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk.
White Horse
White Horse, Ranchos de Taos, NM.
Pond plant reflections.
Pond plant reflections, Taos.
Muskrat eating at the Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal
Muskrat eating at the Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal, NM.

A visit to Valle Vidal is sure to be filled with delightful experiences.

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM
Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM.
Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush in the high country.
Apache Plume
Apache Plume, San Cristobal.
Red cloud over Taos
Red cloud over Taos.
Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM
Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM.

And lastly the print of the week, a solstice moment taken in Taos NM,

Print of the week, Taos Mountain Trees
Taos Mountain Trees.

As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Landscapes And More. 06-04-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, I’m excited to showcase landscapes and more in current and upcoming publications. Don’t miss my print of the week feature, highlighting a captivating image for your collection. I also had the honor of participating in a podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

This week, my work appears in the current edition of Enchanted Outpost magazine. You may remember when I was the featured artist in their premier edition.

Thanks to all at Enchanted Outpost.

Blanca Peak, Colorado Landscapes
Blanca Peak, a favorite of Colorado Landscapes.
Ghost Ranch, NM
Ghost Ranch, NM.

The Taos News, our esteemed and multi-award-winning small-town newspaper, has featured the following three images in its summer guide.

Ute Mountain Road
Road to Ute Mountain.
Shooting stars, wildflowers Taos Ski Valley
Shooting stars, wildflowers in Taos Ski Valley.
A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration
A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration.

And in the upcoming New Mexico Treasures 2026 desktop calendar, the following four images are featured. The calendar is due out in July and sells out quickly.

Rainbow, San Cristobal
Rainbow, Columbine Hondo Wilderness from San Cristobal, NM.
Crescent moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel
Crescent Moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel.
Snow melt, Weeping Walls, Taos
Snow melt, “Weeping Walls, Taos”.
Rio Grande Gorge bridge in fog
Fog lifting at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott.

Lastly, the print of the week, El Prado Cottonwood Light, is one of my favorite landscapes.

Print of the week, El Prado Cottonwoods
El Prado Cottonwoods.

As always, thank you for looking. I’m honored and grateful for every opportunity to share my work that shines a light on this place I call home. Have a great week. G

Locations In The Valley. 05-07-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This past week brought a mix of wild weather, scenic locations, and rewarding moments during a photo tour through the San Luis Valley.

On May 1st, I led a photo tour with my client Randy. The wind created dust plumes and walls of sand moving across the landscape, adding a dramatic edge to our image-making. Despite the challenging conditions, Randy captured some striking photographs. With just a bit of light editing, he’s heading home with a collection of print-worthy keepers.

Just yesterday, May 6, we were treated to a surprise of nearly three inches of snow layered over a bed of hail. Overnight, our deck turned into a sheet of ice, much to the delight of the dogs, who raced and skidded across it like athletes.

Back in the San Luis Valley, one of our first stops was the historic Anderson Grain Elevator in Jaroso, Colorado. It’s a compelling subject with its weathered textures and quiet presence, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop.

Locations in the San Luis Valley Anderson's Grain Elevator
Anderson’s Grain Elevator, Jaroso, CO.

A familiar landmark that I visit often, the iconic red barn, continues to bear the brunt of time and wind. Sadly, it’s beginning to lean and twist under pressure. The siding has started to give way, and I suspect the resulting gaps are funneling the gusts through, paradoxically easing the strain while hastening the barn’s decline. Its days are numbered.

Red Barn in the San Luis Valley

From there, we moved on to another of my favorite locations, the Lobatos Bridge, a steel span across the Rio Grande dating back to the 1890s.

Lobatos Bridge, Colorado
Lobatos Bridge, Colorado.

The view from the bridge is a photographer’s dream, with the river winding away toward the towering Blanca Peak Massif in the distance. It’s a scene that never fails to inspire.

The Rio Grande from the Lobatos Bridge, Colorado, with Blanca Peak.
Rio Grande from the Lobatos Bridge, Colorado, with Blanca Peak.

Join me at one of the many locations by signing up for a photo tour/workshop in this area.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Minimalist Abstract Art, The Square. 04-16-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, minimalist abstract art in a square format.

In June 2024, I said there might be another post of random abstraction, and as I have so many of this type of image, mostly shot on an iPhone, here goes.

Click on an image to expand and click off it to go back. Enjoy!

I wrote some sentences and put them as prompts into Grammarly and ChatGPT. This is what they came up with, modified further by me. Let me know your thoughts.

The Allure of Minimalist Abstract Art in Square Format

In a world saturated with noise and complexity, minimalist abstract art offers a visual breath of fresh air—clean lines, subtle textures, and intentional simplicity. When paired with the symmetry of a square format, this genre takes on a uniquely balanced and meditative quality that resonates deeply in modern spaces.

Why Square?
The square canvas provides perfect equilibrium. Unlike rectangles, which inherently suggest direction, the square is neutral—neither vertical nor horizontal. This neutrality invites the viewer to experience the artwork without predetermined movement, making it an ideal playground for minimalist expression.

Less is Powerful
Minimalist abstract art thrives on reduction. It strips away the nonessential, leaving only what truly matters: form, color, space, and emotion. A single brushstroke, a subtle shift in tone, or a geometric repetition can evoke calm, curiosity, or contemplation.

Harmony in Design
Whether hanging solo or as part of a grid, square-format minimalist pieces create rhythm and order. Their visual harmony complements contemporary interiors, bringing structure to eclectic rooms or serenity to stark spaces. They don’t shout—they whisper, and in that quietness, they speak volumes.

Final Thoughts
Minimalist abstract art in a square format isn’t about what you see—it’s about what you feel. It’s not minimal for the sake of aesthetics but to create space: for thought, stillness, and connection. In its quiet, it offers a rare and refreshing clarity.

Explore the balance. Embrace the square. Let less say more.

As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G